We just finished a fantastic Spring Clinic on Saturday, training over 30 attendees in Defensive Horsemanship and qualifying them to work under the Volunteer Partnership Agreement with the Forest Service. Welcome to our new members who joined BBCH at the clinic. Thank you to all our clinicians and their assistants (Dan Aadland & Jennifer; John & Marilyn Simmons; Dr. Jesse Owens & Jennifer; Sally Carter; John Chepulis & Dick Martin; and Mike Lorash & his talented daughters Alaini and Michela.) Also thank you to Dan & Emily Aadland for the use of their facility, Marilyn Simmons for cooking our lunch, and the Aadlands, Simmons, and Lorashes for providing our equine demonstrators.
BCHA National Board Meeting – April 26, 2015
Montana delegation accepting the 2015 Double Diamond award the Beartooth Backcountry Horsemen received at the BCHA national board meeting in Sacramento, California.
Ride up Black Butte – May 1, 2015
Due to the rain last Friday night and Sat., our ride to Weatherman Draw was cancelled, but six brave souls–4 board members and 2 grandchildren–chose to exercise the alternative option and drove out to Black Butte, east of Edgar to ride. The rain tapered off by about 10 am; and the group saddled up and rode into the hills. Despite the clouds, there were some incredible views and challenging terrain that seemed to go straight up and straight down–just like the famous scene from “The Man From Snowy River”! The horses were challenged as were the riders: Jim Anderson, trail boss; Keith Brighton; Kathe Mensik and her grandson, 12-year-old Bobby Mensik; and Jody Seyler and her 15-year-old granddaughter, Kenna. It was great to have these two young people along, fostering in them a love for backcountry riding. The best part was watching these two enjoy a lope across a high country meadow; just what young people should get to do once in a while! Some pictures from last Saturday’s ride. #1&2: Kathe, Keith, and Jim survey the top of Black Butte and the view to the east. #3 “Mini Cooney Dam”. #4 Bobby & Keith/reflection across the dam. #5 Keith & Jim come down “another” ridge. #6 Heading back to the trailers for an overdue lunch!
Trail Clearing and crosscut saw certification on the Stillwater trail –May 1, 2015.
Packing Culverts – May 25, 2015
Fishtail Parade – June 27, 2015
Despite record hot temperatures, 12 BBCH members turned out to represent our club on Saturday, June 27th in Fishtail in one of our best showings yet. John Chepulis, dressed in trailwork gear and a crosscut saw, led our entry, followed by Bonnie Chepulis and Bob Mensik, proudly carrying our banner. Dave Heinle and his fine-looking grullas represented our packstring, followed by Bill and Susan Morse on their beautifully matched Haflingers. Sally Carter and Kathe Mensik rode Sally’s colorful roan and palomino ponies, followed by Wes Dingman and Virginia Ball on their gaited mounts. Bringing up the rear was Jim Anderson on his Paint horse and Jody Seyler riding her grey Arab, ponying her baby buckskin, Win-E.
Ernie’s Point Fun Ride – June 28, 2015
Ernie Strum fun ride & Wolf Cam training with Ron Nusbaum (ride leader) and Dave (friend from FL), Jody Seyler, Jim Anderson, Kathe Mensik, & Abby Nelson, FWP Wolf Biologist. ERNIE’S POINT
Wolf Cam Training – June 28, 2015
Lily Pad & Crater Lake Trail – July 1, 2015
If you haven’t yet seen the video celebrating Ernie Strum’s vision for the Lily Pad/Crater Lakes trail, now known as the Ernie Strum Trail, and its becoming a reality, here is the link to a very excellent, very professionally-made video of just that. We encourage everyone to watch it and share it to their own FB page.
July 4th Parade – Red Lodge MT
Dutch Oven Cooking – July 19, 2015
Dutch oven cooking, packing class, and a fun ride. Special thank you to Howard Boggess, Crow Historian. Great weekend! Thanks to all who participated!
Wolf Cam Check Ride – August 16, 2015
Rode almost to the top of Line Creek Basin yesterday, to 8300′, to check the wolf cam. As we didn’t have a spare SD card with us, we had to leave that for another time. However, upon checking the card, we had almost 200 pictures of an elk herd of about 50, including some great pix of the 6-point herd bull and some very cute calves. We think we have a great spot and hope to record some wolf activity when we next check the cam! With Dale & Carol Olson, Sally Carter, & Kathe Mensik
Wolf Cam Retrieval Ride – August 28, 2015
Retrieval of the wolf cam on Line Creek Basin trail was successfully completed by 8 BBCH members including Ride Boss, Dale Olson on Wednesday, Aug. 26. Thank you to everyone who participated in this 5-week research adventure in Carbon County. If you’d like to be a part of the Stillwater County retrieval this Sunday, Aug. 30, we’ll be meeting at 10 am in Absarokee. Dave Heinle will lead the ride into Meyers creek/ Pass creek. Anybody who wants to go is welcome. It’s an easy ride, approximately 3 miles one way–maybe not even that far; not much for hills but still a beautiful ride.
Wolf Cam Photos – August 28, 2015
Check out these highlights from the Line Creek wolf cam!
Big Timber Canyon Trail – Crazy Mountains – September 19, 2019
Fall Fun Ride – September 27, 2015
What a weekend for our fall fun ride! Thank you, Keith and Susie Brighton, for your wonderful hospitality. Great group of people enjoying the back country.
Valley of the Shields Ride – October 19, 2015
Another great group of riders went to the Valley of the Shields on Sunday. So lucky to be part of this group.
